When you take pain killers, the only thing you are doing is dealing with your symptoms and ignoring the real problems or causes behind your headache. In fact, natural remedies for a headache can actually help you treat a headache and prevent it from returning effectively. Read this entire article to discover some of the effective ways to treat a headache naturally.

How To Treat Headache Naturally

Read through the entire list below and you will see right away how easily you can overcome your headache with some natural remedies at home.

1.Drink Plenty Of Water

Dehydration can be one of the main causes of a headache, especially when you’ve recently vomited or when you are hung over. As soon as you have a headache, drink a glass of water and then try to go on drinking small sips of water throughout the day. Gradually, you may feel that your headache starts to reduce.

For men, it is suggested to drink at least 3 liters of water per day; and for women, drinking at least 2.2 liters of water per day is a must. You should even drink more if you do exercise frequently, live in a hot environmental condition, suffer from an illness that may cause diarrhea or vomiting, or are breast-feeding.

Also, do not drink too much cold water. This is because in some cases, extremely cold water can cause migraines. Room-temperature water is the best choice for you after all!

2.Take A Break

When you have a headache, you should find a quiet and dark place to relax. If possible, try to lie down for at least half an hour. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. If you have to take a rest around other people, ask them to be quiet and leave you alone. If you would like, take a short nap or have some sleep.

Ensure that your bed is comfortable and that you place your head in a position that will not cause tension to your neck. In case one side of the neck is cramped and the other is stretched, you should adjust your position so that the neck and head are supported evenly.

3. Do Yoga

Yoga will help you stretch out your muscles, reduce tension; thus, reducing the tension-headache. Just do some moves when a headache starts up, but the best thing you can do is to spend some minutes each day practicing yoga to prevent headaches from happening.

4. Take A Deep Breath

Normally, we take breaths that may be too shallow. However, when we are suffering from pain or stress, we should make an effort to take deep breaths that fill up our lungs. This action will help you get plenty of fresh oxygen through your blood and will help you relax both your body and mind.

5. Improve Your Posture

Improving your posture can make a difference when it comes to treating tension-type headaches. Many people spend hours sitting in front of a computer or working in an office with little to no movement. Therefore, most of them have poor posture that strains their muscles and creates headaches. Consider using an ergonomic chair in case you are sitting down a lot, and try to sit up tall but still relaxed, with your chest open, your shoulders back. Working on strengthening core muscles may help with your posture.

6. Hot Water

Applying heat on your neck’s back can help reduce headaches caused by stress. Heat helps relax tense muscles, so it can alleviate the throbbing pain.

Directions:

You just need to place a hot water bag onto your neck’s back or take a hot bath directing the water onto your neck’s back.

Another option for you is to fill a tub with hot water and place your hands in it for about 10-15 minutes. This will help improve blood circulation and give you an instant relief from your headache.

In case you have chronic headaches, dip your legs in hot water for about 10 minutes before bedtime.

7.Ice Pack

Placing an ice pack on the forehead will help you fight off the pain, shrink the blood vessels and simultaneously improve blood circulation to the area. This home remedy works well for headaches caused by stress or sinus issues.

Directions:

You wrap some crushed ice or ice cubes in a thin towel. Place them on your forehead for a couple of minutes.

Also, a bag of frozen veggies can also work as an icepack.

Alternatively, you can apply a cold cloth on your temples and forehead for about 10 minutes. Repeat this method until you feel better.

Note: Never apply ice directly because it can damage your skin.

8. Stay Active

Regular exercise, especially aerobic can help you effectively prevent headaches by reducing tension in the body. Besides, obesity may also be a cause of migraine headache, so exercise can help prevent it by helping you reach a healthy weight.

In addition to this, doing strenuous activities and then suddenly stopping them may cause a headache, so remember to take your time to warm up and then properly cool down.

9. Cayenne

Using something spicy may not sound helpful to treating headache, but cayenne is one of the natural remedies for pain and inflammation. The secret behind its power is that it contains an ingredient called capsaicin, which depletes something that makes us feel pain. Some studies show that when it is applied to the nasal passages, people have a decrease in the severity of the headaches.

Directions:

You add ¼ tsp. of cayenne powder to 4 ounces of lukewarm water.

Soak a cotton ball in this mixture and stir it well.

Apply the damp cotton ball to the inside of each nostril in a gentle way until you can feel the heat. At first, it may not be pleasant, but it is a sign that this remedy is working. When it is done, your headache will be wiped out, or at least it will be better than before.

10. Gingerroot

Gingerroot is known as one of the great natural remedies for headaches. This is because it contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help you reduce headaches. Also, it helps relax the blood vessels, reducing swelling in the brain and activating natural brain opiates that help alleviate the pain. Simply sip a steaming cup of gingerroot tea and then get relaxed while waiting for your headaches to reduce.

Directions:

You cut 3 slices from a piece of raw gingerroot, with each being the size of a quarter.

Place the pieces of gingerroot in 2 cups of water, cover them and wait for 30 minutes.

Remove the pieces of gingerroot and then transfer to a mug or if desired, you can leave them in.

Slowly sip and breathe in the steam if desired.

11. Almonds

This is also one of the best tips on how to treat a headache naturally at home that everyone should not skip, or look down on at all costs!

When you have a headache, instead of taking a pill, try some almonds. For tension-type headaches, almonds are a natural remedy and a good alternative to other medicines. They work as a pain reliever as they contain an ingredient called salicin, which is an agent found in most of the over-the-counter killers. Consider eating 1-2 handfuls of almonds when you feel that a headache starts to attack. Keep in mind that people who have migraines may find that these wholesome nuts are a trigger food.

12. Apple Cider Vinegar Compress

Apple cider vinegar can be a natural remedy for a headache, and also has been used to relieve a fever. Some studies have shown its effectiveness in treating some certain illnesses. If you have a throbbing headache, try using some apple cider vinegar in the form of a steam.

Directions:

You pour ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar into a bowl, and then fill it with boiling water.

Then, you place a towel over the head so that it can drape over the bowl, keeping the steam in and then hold the face over it. Ensure that the face is not close to the bowl so that it is not burned by the steam.

Do this method for about 5-10 minutes or when the water begins to cool down. Breath in and out deeply.

When you are done, you use the towel in order to pat it dry, and then drink a glass of water.

13. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint has a soothing effect when you have a headache. It can ease the discomfort and clear your mind. You can apply this oil to various places and you will find that it helps you quickly relieve a headache. In case you have sensitive skin and this oil irritates your skin, consider diluting it with some olive oil or water.

Directions:

You massage peppermint oil onto the back of your jaw, your forehead and temples. You should feel a cooling feeling after applying it.

Deeply breathe and if you want, find a place to relax and drink some cool water.

Alternatively, you can have an herbal tea by adding 1tsp. of dried peppermint to a glass of hot water. Cover and then allow it to steep for about 10 minutes. Strain it and add honey. Slowly sip the tea.

14. Eucalyptus Oil

This oil contains anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It offers a soothing power and helps you relax tense muscles that contribute to your headache. Simply massage your temples and forehead with some eucalyptus oil for about 15-20 minutes.

15. Lemon

Lemon is an effective ingredient to treat headaches as it is relaxing and refreshing. Also, it helps you maintain the balance of the acid-alkaline in the body.

Directions:

You drink warm water mixed with some lemon juice. This remedy will help reduce the severity of your headache. This remedy is good for headaches that are caused by gas occurring in the stomach.

Alternatively, you can apply lemon crusts, and then pound them into a paste on your forehead to relieve your pain at once.

16. Betel Leaves

They are known for their cooling and analgesic properties, which can effectively treat a headache within a couple of minutes.

Directions:

You place 2-3 fresh betel leaves into a blender to create a paste.

Apply this paste on your temples and forehead.

Allow it to sit on for half an hour and you will get an instant relief from the headache soon.

Also, you can chew 1-2 betel leaves to deal with your headache.

17. Drink Fish Oil

There are some studies that show the intake of fish oil can help reduce headaches and migraines due to its omega-3s, which improves heart health. The study shows that the ingredients found in fish oil may help reduce blood clotting, inflammation, reduce blood pressure and maintain a steady heartbeat. This method may help treat a headache as it may reduce the blood cell inflammation that press and pinch on nerves.

Directions:

If you are taking fish oil supplements, follow the instructions on the bottle.

If you use the fish oil, mix 1 tbsp. of fish oil and 1 glass of cold orange juice. Then, drink up.

18. Cinnamon

It is another herb that can help you treat a headache naturally and effectively. This home remedy is effective in treating headaches caused by cold air exposure.

Direction:

You grind some cinnamon sticks to get a powder.

Add some water to create a thick paste.

Apply it on your temples and forehead and take a short rest for half an hour.

Rinse it off with warm water.

19. Apple

Apples can be used to treat a headache. They help maintain the acid-alkaline balance in the body. Moreover, the smell of apples can also help fight off migraine headaches.

Directions:

When you have a headache, eat a piece of apple that is sprinkled with a bit of salt. Then, you drink some lukewarm water.

Also, you can fill a bowl with steaming hot water and then add 3-4 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar to it. Cover your head with a towel and take in the steam for 10-15 minutes.

Another option for you is to add 2 tsp. of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water. Also, add some honey and lemon juice. Then, drink this mixture 2-3 times daily.

So, next time you have a headache, just follow some of these natural treatments to treat it effectively. However, in case you have a chronic headache, consult your doctor. After reading this article about ways on how to treat a headache naturally, I hope that you will find the best ways to treat your headache at home. If you know of any other home remedies for a headache, remember to share them by leaving your comments below.

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About Author

Lien Nguyen – Writer and Blogger, who has more than 6 years of experience in the industry of Health and Beauty. I work for Healthyguide.com and VKool.com - reliable resources that help people deal with their health & many other issues in life, as a content coordinator for categories including Beauty & Health. I also focus on nutrition, fitness, lifestyle, and women’s issues. Find more of my articles on Pinterest and Facebook.